Laura Farge-Lowe of Island Trading, Photograph by Oliver Tucker.

 

Award of Excellence

Island Trading 

Gillian and Roger Farge founded Island Trading over 30 years ago with the hope of creating a source for Bermuda’s resident population to outfit their outdoor living spaces with furniture that would last a lifetime. Fast-forward to present day and Island Trading is thriving and their success is well deserved. Originally situated directly across the street from their current location, Island Trading has triumphed at anticipating the local market’s needs in lifestyle décor as well as assisting in pool and spa management. In 2013 Gillian and Roger’s daughter, Laura Farge-Lowe returned to Bermuda after a successful career in banking in New York City to help her mother, Gillian, run the family business. At the time, Gillian hoped that Laura’s youthfulness and experience in the competitive finance industry would benefit the business and take their lifestyle store to a new level. In 2015, business is booming thanks to the dynamic mother-daughter duo and their 100 percent Bermudian staff. Carrying a fantastic range of furniture, table settings and accessories, all of which can be utilised both indoors and out, Island Trading sell more than the just the items they have in stock—they sell the Bermuda lifestyle. Looking towards the future, Gillian and Laura hope to continue to source indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories from around the world, introducing Bermuda to the latest designs and products and beautifying living spaces island-wide. 

93 Reid Street East, Hamilton, 292-0400, www.islandtradingbda.com, info@islandtrading.bm

 

Great Gifts

The Island Shop

Barbara Finsness has successfully provided the island with beautiful items (ranging from ceramics to linens, glass and wood) in an array of her own designs inspired by Bermuda’s unique natural environment and sold exclusively at The Island Shop. With collections paying homage to Bermuda’s architecture, flora and fauna, The Island Shop is a treasure trove for both residents and visitors who shop the collections at four locations: the main store at 3 Queen Street, Hamilton; the east-end location at Somers Wharf, St. George’s; the west-end location at the Fairmont Southampton; online at www.islandexports.com. 

3 Queen Street, Hamilton, 292-5292, www.islandexports.com

 

Bookstore

The Bermuda Bookstore

Since the 1930s the Bermuda Bookstore has stacked its mismatched shelves with the best literature from around the world and invited locals, residents and visitors to get lost in their tiny shop, located in the heart of Hamilton. Opened 85 years ago by James Zuill, the Bermuda Bookstore is currently owned by Hannah Willmott, who as a girl got lost amongst the spines and pages that fill the shop and now as an adult, serves the bibliophile community with enthusiasm. There are larger bookstores in Bermuda but none compare to this award-winning shop; The Bermuda Bookstore has triumphed in this category each year since 2005, proving that bigger doesn’t mean better—at least when it comes to Bermuda’s favourite bookstore. 

3 Reid Street, Hamilton, 295-3698, www.bdabooks.com, sales@bookstore.bm

Honourable Mention: The Book Cellar (5 Water Street, St. George’s, 441-297-0448)

 

Toy Store

Little People’s Toys

Building on the success of family-run business People’s Pharmacy, Little People’s Toys opened in 2006. Since then, the toy store has garnered well-deserved success and the reputation as Bermuda’s best toy store, having won in this category nine times in the last decade. What contributes to the toy store’s popularity is its wide range of toys for both boys and girls that play to a multitude of interests and all age groups. Located in the centre of Hamilton with ample parking, Little People’s Toys is as much a haven for children as it is for the adults who buy for them. 

62 Victoria Street, Hamilton, 292-7527, www.people.bm

 

Art Gallery

Masterworks

No gallery celebrates and encourages local and overseas artists to use Bermuda as creative inspiration quite like Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. Located at Bermuda Botanical Gardens, each piece that adorns the walls of the celebrated museum was created by a Bermudian resident or inspired by Bermuda. Further, Masterworks encourages current artists to add to the gallery’s forever-growing collections through their annual Charman Prize (established in 2008 to support Bermuda artists and Bermuda-inspired art) and their Artist in Residence programme (introduced in 1997 to bring international artists to Bermuda to produce artwork inspired by Bermuda’s unique environment and lifestyle). In addition to encouraging the production of Bermuda art, Masterworks invites residents and visitors of all ages to share in the collected works in the gallery (open seven days a week) and to view the continually changing exhibitions. 

183 South Road, Paget, 299-4000, www.bermudamasterworks.org

 

Flowers

Flowers by GiMi

When it comes to arranging blossoms better than anyone else on island, Flowers by GiMi have had this category in the bag more times than none since they opened their doors and delivered their first stems in 2008. Arrangements are created and delivered from sun-up to sundown six days a week, with customers ordering blooms from their main store on Front Street or picking up pre-packaged bundles from the GiMi refrigerator at Miles Market. If you need further convincing as to what makes Flowers by GiMi the best in Bermuda (although we’re not sure why you would), lifestyle guru Martha Stewart gave a nod to the company in 2011 for their exceptional floral service to the destination wedding industry. 

37 Front Street, Hamilton, 297-4464, www.flowersbygimi.com, info@flowersbygimi.com.

 

Garden Gear

Aberfeldy Nurseries

Lawns are alive island-wide with the vibrant colours of continuous new growth, thanks to the products and services of Aberfeldy Nurseries which has been servicing Bermuda’s most beautiful gardens since 1959. Born out of the private collection of exotic plants cultivated by Wil Onions and David Gill in the 1950s, Aberfeldy Nurseries has long provided seeds, ready-to-plant flowers and shrubs, houseplants and an array of fertilizers and plant pharmaceutical products. Conveniently open seven days a week, the helpful staff at Aberfeldy Nurseries is dedicated to assisting their customers achieve their horticultural desires by providing useful information both in store and online and providing occasional classes and workshops, encouraging even the most novice of gardeners to develop the greenest of thumbs. 

3 Pomander Road, Paget, 236-2927, www.aberfeldy.bm, info@aberfeldy.bm

 

Place to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

Sweet Saak Bakery

When it comes to satisfying a persistently sweet tooth, there is only one place worth getting your fix: Sweet Saak Bakery. The two-year-old bakery has recruited a whole host of loyal follow
ers who visit them regularly for their pastries and baked goods, which include marshmallows, chocolate fudge, sweet breads, Bundt cakes and cupcakes. Among the delicious treats they have on offer, none is more loved than the cinnamon buns, baked fresh and sold on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. The fanfare surrounding Sweet Saak Bakery has culminated in the creation of the hash tag “#GetSaaked” which is used on social media to pay homage to the bakery for making life sweeter in Bermuda, one delicious treat at a time. 

16 York Street, St. George’s, 297-0663, www.sweetsaak.com, info@sweetsaak.com

 

Pharmacy

People’s Pharmacy

Since 1984, family-run People’s Pharmacy has excelled in providing the local community with premier health-care services. Part of the company’s success is derived from the business being open to changing with the times which is evident in the pharmacy being active on various social media channels, offering customers the option of renewing their prescriptions online and hosting a loyalty card programme that offers deals on products and rewards for spending. In 2015, People’s Pharmacy will open a second location at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after the Bermuda Hospitals Board approved the pharmacy as the official outpatient pharmacy for the new hospital, a vote of confidence in the business, proving that longevity is derived from giving the people what they want. 

62 Victoria Street, Hamilton, 292-7527, www.people.bm

 

Pet Pampering

Puppiez and Supplies

If it were up to Sian Hall, pampering pooches would always require more than just a bath. Hall, the owner of pet-pampering supply business Puppiez and Supplies in Warwick, specialises in pet grooming as well as sourcing grooming supplies. Pups from across the island find themselves in her talented hands, receiving the full treatment of bath, groom and blow-dry, transforming scruffy dogs into the pampered pooches their owners always dreamed they could be.   

238-1293

 

Pet Supplies

Noah’s Ark Feed and Supply

If Old MacDonald had a farm, he’d stock up on animal care essentials at Noah’s Ark Feed and Supply. With everything from food and bedding to over-the-top clothing and accessories for four-legged friends, Noah’s Ark stocks its Devonshire store with the necessities and the luxuries that keep Bermuda’s animal population happy and healthy. With over 18 years’ experience (and more wins in this category than we can count!) Noah’s Ark has always stayed true to its original vision of creating a one-stop shop for quality pet supplies at affordable prices. 

3 Marsh Lane, Devonshire, 236-1533, www.noahsark.bm

 

Grocery Store

Lindo’s Group of Companies

The Lindo’s Group of Companies has triumphed in this category more times than we care to count, certainly more so than any other grocer on island. Why? The family-run businesses have provided locals and residents with a large variety of excellent quality products for over fifty years, excelling particularly in their produce and meat departments. The shelves that line the seemingly always bustling stores are sourced from reputable distributors from around the globe, making Bermuda’s geographical isolation feel like a farce. For dedication to good quality and consistency, Lindo’s Group of Companies has this category in the bag for the umpteenth time!

128 Middle Road, Warwick, 236-1344 and 4 Watlington Road, Devonshire, 236-5623, www.lindos.bm

 

Studio One, Photograph by Oliver Tucker.

 

Health and Fitness Club

Studio One Ltd.

Studio One Ltd. opened its doors to gym junkies just one year ago, promising to give those with the desire to be leaner, stronger and healthier the tools to succeed. One year on, many of Bermuda’s fittest endorse Studio One as their secret to ongoing success, citing it as the island’s best fitness centre. What differentiates Studio One from other local gyms is its commitment to providing its members with the latest and greatest technology and trends in fitness, currently yoga, Pilates, spinning and zumba. Classes take place in large studio spaces lit by multicoloured LED lights, which change according to the workout genre (including Zen yellow for yoga and engergising red for zumba). 

1 Victoria Street, 296-5553, www.studioone.bm, frontdesk@studioone.bm

 

Personal Trainer

Nicole Rozon

Certified personal trainer Nicole Rozon can be found instructing and encouraging her clients at Studio One. In addition to one-on-one training, Rozon is a resident cycling instructor leading large classes of peddling students, helping each to achieve their personal fitness goals. When she’s not in the gym conducting training sessions with her students, she’s leading by example and running the length of the island participating in road races throughout the year, protecting her status as one of Bermuda’s fittest and best. 

1 Victoria Street, 296-5553, www.studioone.bm, frontdesk@studioone.bm

 

Massage Therapy

Laura DeCouto

Helping people heal through the modality of massage, Laura DeCouto is a licensed massage practitioner, lending her services to her clients at Wise Body Wellness. Trained in an array of massage therapies, including Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage), Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage, Polarity Therapy, Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Thai Massage, DeCouto believes in the power of massage to alleviate stresses of the mind and body and relieve ailments, and she successfully heals clients on a daily basis. In addition to her hands-on knowledge of the human body, DeCouto holds a degree in psychology from Georgetown University, and believes that the effects of massage therapy are experienced not only physically but extend to the mind and spirit also. 

3 Canal Road, Pembroke, 296-8961, www.wisebodywellness.com.

 

Yoga/Pilates Studio

Lotus

Those looking to strengthen mind, body and spirit turn to Lotus, a health centre dedicated to providing its clients with the best in yoga and Pilates, including classes and equipment. Aiming at creating a wellness experience, instructors at Lotus conduct lessons that support all fitness levels, as well as massage, acupuncture, homeopathy and holistic health services. Since their opening in 1998, Lotus has acquired a loyal following who are wiser, stronger and calmer thanks to the facility’s tutelage and guidance.

46 Victoria Street, Hamilton, 296-5900, www.healthcoop.net, info@healthcoop.net 

Honourable Mention: Liz Laing of Pilates and Barre with Liz (705-1159, www.lizlaingpilates.com)

 

Local Ad/Promo

Davidrose Jewelry

The advertisements produced by husband and wife team David and Avrel Zuill, owners of Davidrose Jewelry, showcasing their exquisite fine jewellery designs impressed our judges so much that they couldn’t deny them the win in this category. Opened in 2012, Davi
drose Jewelry was born from the couple’s vision to design and create fine jewellery sourced from quality mines and inspired, to a great extent, by Bermuda’s culture and lifestyle. Their advertisements are fashioned in Bermuda-inspired colour palettes of ocean blues and reflect the company’s island home with simple designs featuring Bermuda collections. 

Somers Wharf, St. George’s, 293-7673, www.davidrose.bm, info@davidrose.bm

 

Fishing Charter

Mako Charters

Founded in 1976, Mako Charters has hosted successful fishing trips for locals and visitors for almost forty years, excelling in hauling in big catches including the Bermuda record for the biggest Blue Marlin—a whopping 1,352 pounds! Captained by Allen DeSilva, charter boat Mako IV is a 56-foot Carolina Sportsfisherman that boasts twin 1,000 horsepower CATs which produce a top speed of 40 knots, making it a breeze getting to and from Bermuda’s best fishing spots, and in turn, allowing more time for charter guests to reel in the big catches.  

505-8626, www.fishbermuda.com

 

Private Boat Charter

Spirit of Bermuda

Owned and operated by the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, the Spirit of Bermuda, a tall ship designed to emulate the schooners that Bermuda’s residents built in the 1800’s, is the perfect vessel for private charters. When the boat isn’t being used for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s Character Education Programme, the national icon is available for hire for up to 50 guests for weddings, cocktail parties, holiday celebrations and corporate events. Although the price ($3,500 for two hours; $400 for each additional hour) may seem steep, the charter fee supports the Bermuda Sloop Foundation and the wonderful work they do to promote character and educational development in Bermuda’s youth, not to mention keeping Bermuda’s maritime history alive.

www.bermudasloop.org

 

Diligent Real Estate Agent

Fiona Hatfield, Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty

Sales representative for Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty, Fiona Hatfield obtained her real estate licence almost 30 years ago, having been persuaded to enter the industry by Arthur Jones. Throughout her career, Hatfield has closed property sales totaling millions of dollars, earning her a reputation as one of Bermuda’s most well-known and diligent real estate agents. 

11 Par la Ville Road, 292-1793, www.bermudarealty.com, fhatfield@brcl.bm

 

Investment Advice

Karen Nicholson & John Portelli at LOM Offshore Financial Services

When one needs advice pertaining to asset management, offshore and local investments and savings plans, Karen Nicholson and John Portelli at LOM Offshore Financial Services is the ones to turn to. Nicholson and portelli provide expert guidance and connect their clients to a network of the world’s best accounting, tax, legal and estate planning professionals.  

27 Reid Street, Hamilton, 292-5000, www.lom.com

 

The Arcade Barber Shop, Photograph by Oliver Tucker.

 

Barber

The Arcade Barber Shop 

This one’s not just for the boys! The Arcade Barber Shop located in the Walker Arcade in central Hamilton has been lowering the ears of both men and women for decades. Well-known for their versatility and affordable pricing, barbers David and Darren Hope cut, colour and style, serving up tons of laughter and fun with each snip. 

12 Reid Street, Hamilton, 295-1391

 

Hair Salon

Tangles Hair 

Shaping Bermuda’s headspace since 1989, Tangles Hair perfected its reputation as a superior hair salon long ago and has worked hard to maintain its status for 25 years. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Simon and Heather Horrell, Tangles has changed location several times throughout the decades but remained successful in providing a full range of hair services, including cuts, colour and styling for both men and women, at competitive prices. Whether you’ve had the same hairdo for twenty years or you’re on a never-ending hair journey, the dynamic team at Tangles Hair can help you perfect your personal look. 

3 Burnaby Street, 292-8294, www.tangles.bm, tangles@northrock.bm

 

Health Care Professional

Dr. Reid Robinson

With over twenty years’ experience practising and studying health and well-being, Dr. Reid Robinson, wellness practitioner at Inside Out Wellness Centre treats patients with a variety of chiropractic, soft tissue and rehabilitative techniques to heal and improve his patients’ mind/body well-being. Dr. Robinson believes in patient education: that treating patients successfully includes educating them about their condition and empowering them to change their lifestyle to incorporate healthy eating and physical activity. It is Dr. Robinson’s ideology that any person can achieve a healthy mind and body with the correct knowledge, inspiration and action. 

7 Victoria Street, Hamilton, 296-2225, www.insideoutbermuda.com

 

Caterer

MEF, Fourways Catering

Knives and forks at the ready, MEF’s Fourways Catering is Bermuda’s best catering service. Headed by Andreas Detzer, Fourways Catering has served up a variety of food and cocktails to the royal family, past US presidents, and diplomats from across the globe. With over 40 years’ experience, no event is too big or two small for the Fourways Catering team, which can host BBQs, buffets, carving stations, canapés, boxed lunches, breakfasts, dessert bars and sit-down wedding dinners island-wide. Bon appetit!

18 Reid Street, Hamilton, 295-8279, info@mef.bm, diningbermuda.com

 

Government Service

Transport Control Department (TCD)

Since Bermuda’s Traffic Control Department (TCD) underwent a complete renovation several years ago, the department has received a favourable reputation, having triumphed in this category twice in four years (previously in 2012). Structural updates and new technology guarantee that what used to be hours in line is now a timely and efficient process which can begin online—scheduling inspections and examinations as well as relicensing can take place at E-TCD at www.gov.bm. Bermuda may run on island time, but vehicle testing and licensing runs on TCD time, finally!

11 North Street, Hamilton, 292-1271, www.gov.bm

 

Mani/Pedi

Willow Stream Spa

Manicures and pedicures are more than spa treatments at Willow Stream Spa, they’re experiences. Boasting the largest spa facility on the island, 90-minute nail treatments qualify guests to spa access, granting them entrance to the facility’s steam room, inhalation room, fitness centre, sauna, indoor swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzis and relaxation lounges. 

101 South Shore Road, Southampton, 239-6924, www.fairmont.com, willowstream@fairmont.com

 

Willow Stream Spa.

 

Spa

Willow Stream Spa

Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Southampton’s spa facility, totals 31,000 square feet of tranquil space, comprising 15 treatment rooms and various communal spaces including an indoor swimming pool. A favourite among hotel guests and locals alike, Willow Stream Spa is always bustling with spa-goers looking to relax and unwind, but never does the facility’s staff seem as though they lend themselves to anyone but you. Open from 6:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., guests are invited to indulge in the spa facilities and its superior amenities from dawn until dusk for a full day of bliss.  

101 South Shore Road, Southampton, 239-6924, www.fairmont.com, willowstream@fairmont.com

 

Taxi Driver

David Zuill

Of all the taxi drivers in Bermuda, David Zuill is undeniably the best. Visitors to the island favour his services, deeming him Bermuda’s best and most reliable chauffeur; one visitor claiming to have vacationed in Bermuda 60 times, saying that Zuill is her “personal taxi driver” because he always makes sure to be available around the clock during her stay. Other visitors say that he is incredibly knowledgeable about Bermuda, giving them the option of getting somewhere in a jiffy or taking the scenic route for a personal tour. With such hospitality reminiscent of the Bermuda of yesteryear, we’re proud to have an ambassador (and taxi driver) like David Zuill.

 

Cleaning Service

Premiere Services

For a bright and shining home or office, Premiere Services provides professional cleaning solutions and all the elbow grease necessary. Their expert team of cleaning professionals is diligent in washing, dusting, scrubbing and vacuuming the evidence of wear and tear out of your furniture, floors, fixtures and fittings. 

295-2570, nicon@northrock.bm

 

Warehouse Shopping

Price Rite

Operating under The MarketPlace umbrella, Price Rite stocks its shelves with quality goods in bulk—featuring discounted prices. With most of their stock coming from CostCo’s and Sears’s distribution facilities in the US, the atmosphere of the large scale budget-friendly superstore is reminiscent of warehouse-style shopping abroad. Selling everything from food to electronics, pet care products to children’s toys, Price Rite relieves weary wallets with big dollar discounts. 

11 Mill Reach Lane, Pembroke, 295-7111

 

Kitchen Tools/Accessories

International Imports

Even Julia Childs would be in awe of the all-encompassing collection of kitchenware at International Imports, a Best of Bermuda award winner year after year. From the second you walk through its doors you’ll catch glimpses of state-of-the-art gadgets and the highest-grade cookware. In operation since 1954, International Imports is affectionately referred to as “the shop where the chefs shop,” and often hosts cooking classes with local and international chefs. 

44 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton, 292-1661, interim@northrock.bm

 

Sports Store

Sportseller

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to Sportseller. The small sports store located on the lower level of Washington Mall is owned and operated by Sharon Fenn, and provides equipment and accessories for all fitness levels, from amateurs to professionals. In addition to selling high-quality sporting goods, the sales assistants at Sportseller are properly trained to conduct foot assessments as part of their shoe-fitting service. 

Lower Level Washington Mall, 9 Reid Street, Hamilton, 295-2692, sales@sportseller.bm

 

Helpful Hardware

Gorham’s

Those embarking on home projects should not begin without visiting Gorham’s first, the home of local DIY. With a huge selection of fixtures, fittings and all the tools to install them with, Gorham’s helps local homeowners get the job done quickly and painlessly. The physical store is open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and the store’s brand-new website is incredibly resourceful, boasting tips and tricks for DIYers as well as useful product information, allowing customers to preview products online at any time.

62 St. John’s Road, Pembroke, 295-1550, www.gorhams-ltd.com, info@gorhams.bm

 

Computer/Digital

Red Laser

In the great tech race, Red Laser does not choose sides. The tech-savvy staff knows the ins and outs of all computing brands and products and helps you choose the best models for your needs and preferences. What’s more is that ordering online is fast and simple and delivery and collection is almost immediate.  

8 Bakery Lane, Pembroke, 296-6400, www.redlaser.bm

 

Orange Bay Company, Photograph by Oliver Tucker.

 

Home Furnishings

Orange Bay Company

Orange Bay Company has been praised over the years for its clothing consignment services, offering up second-hand garments for sale at a fraction of the original cost. Those in the know, however, know that it isn’t just clothing and accessories that owner Delight Morris is reselling but good quality home furnishings, too.  On the ground floor of the Mills Creek store is a collection of beautiful pieces of gently used furniture, each piece lovingly passed on to Orange Bay Company in the hope of its finding a new home with one of Orange Bay’s grateful customers. 

4 Mills Creek Road, Pembroke, 295-5400, www.orangebaycompany.com, info@orangebaycompany.com

 

Gas Station

RUBIS Dowling’s Marine Service Station, St. George’s

RUBIS Dowling’s Marine Service Station has been in operation by the ultra-friendly and courteous descendants of the founder George Dowling, Sr., for over 50 years. In addition to providing top-quality refueling for both auto and marine vehicles, Dowling’s gives back to the community by donating to organizations such as the St. George’s Foundation and P.A.L.S.

1 Penno’s Drive, St. George’s, 297-1914

 

Lawn and Garden Care

Green Acres Landscaping and Maintenance

Green Acres is the place for me! Green Acres is the place for us all, at least in our imaginations, but maintaining our own green pastures can be difficult. Instead of spending hours with a machete in hand determining the best angle at which to cut the pesky hedge, down your tools and leave it to the professionals at Green Acres Landscaping and Maintenance. The seemingly tireless team will trim your trees, mow your lawn and rake your yard all within the blink of an eye, and without you having to break a sweat.

335-0079, greenacres@logic.bm

 

Electrician:

Kirk Peets

It’s common in Bermuda to hire someone via a referral from someone you know. When you’re next in d
ire need of an electrician, take a referral from us and call Kirk Peets who goes above and beyond the call of duty, providing his customers with a surge of good service.

 

Boat Repair

John Powell, Powell’s Marine

Known affectionately as “The Retail Captain,” John Powell is a boating expert. Not only is he a diligent boatman, he knows everything there is to know about boat parts and servicing. Having worked in the marine industry for most of his life, including working on boats from around the world, Powell is an expert at sourcing parts that are difficult to find—making him the expert in boat servicing, sales and supply. 

Powell’s Marine, 12 Wallers Point Road, Southside, St. George’s, 297-2244, www.powellsmarine.com, johnny@powellsmarine.com

 

Plumber

David Hayward

Our judges were quick to sing the praises of David Hayward, who is not only a highly skilled plumber who hires out his services locally but who also travelled to Haiti in 2014 with Bermuda-registered charity Feed My Lambs to bring clean drinking water to the poverty-stricken community in Montrouis. For his hard work and helping hand both at home and abroad, we commend David Hayward. 

232-4194

 

Water Truck Service

James Water Service

Family owned and operated for over 35 years, James Water Service is renowned island-wide for being the best in water delivery services—having previously won in this category in both 2009 and 2010. In addition to water delivery, James Water Service will gladly take care of water transfers, swimming pool drainage and filling, tank cleaning and repairs, water testing and roof cleaning. 

238-0046, www.jameswaterservice.com, jws@northrock.bm

 

Car Mechanic

Cardoza’s Garage

For more than 60 years, Cardoza’s Garage has provided top-notch automotive care to Bermuda’s locals and residents. As the oldest garage in Bermuda, Cardoza’s (still family run after all these years) takes pride in providing quality services since 1941. Presently, the Sousa family, which operates the successful business, provides regularly scheduled maintenance; body paint and repair; emergency tow service; TCD readiness and inspection; tire repair, replacement and rotation and engine tune-up. 

25 Mission Road, Paget, 236-1221, www.cardozas.bm, info@cardozas.bm

 

Bike Mechanic

Cycle Care

When it comes to two wheels, the DeCouto family knows what they’re doing. Cycle Care’s two-story location specialises in providing customers with the best bikes—and the quality customer service that comes with them is the best accessory of all!

49 Serpentine Road, Pembroke, 295-0003, www.shopping.cyclecare.bm

 

Upholsterer:

Anslie’s Interior Decor

As part of their full-service interior decorating business, Anslie’s Interior Décor has given new life to thousands of pieces of furniture over the last twenty years, often transforming dated and worn pieces into stylish and contemporary works of art. 

1 Tee Street, Devonshire, 236-9993, www.ansliesinteriordecor.com, infoanslies@northrock.bm

 

Patti Crouch of By Design Ltd.

 

Interior Design

By Design Ltd.

Since 1986, Patricia Crouch and Jill Henneberger of By Design Ltd have designed and decorated the interiors of some of Bermuda’s most beautiful homes. Their diligent team, which includes Jessica Mello and Sandra Madeiros, pride themselves on listening carefully to each client’s needs and addressing each concern appropriately, resulting in a product that both client and award-winning designers are happy with. 

Suite 206, 75 Reid Street, Hamilton, 292-6041, www.bydesign.bm, info.bydesign@logic.bm

 

Pool and Patio

Island Trading

Carrying a fantastic range of furniture, table settings and accessories, Island Trading has successfully decorated the outdoor living spaces of many Bermudian homes. After over thirty years in the business, the mother-daughter team of Gillian and Laura Farge hope to continue to source the best in outdoor furniture and accessories from around the world, introducing Bermuda to the latest designs and products and beautifying outdoor living spaces island-wide. 

93 Reid Street East, Hamilton, 292-0400, www.islandtradingbda.com, info@islandtrading.bm

 

Audio/Visual Sales

M&M International

Bermudians take home entertainment seriously and thanks to the tech-savvy team at M&M International living rooms island-wide are kitted out in the latest audio-visual electronics. For the best deals, most-advanced stereo systems and larger-than-life TVs, there’s no place more electrifying than M&M International. 

61 Church Street East, Hamilton, 292-8158

Honourable Mention: Custom Acoustics (295-2277, cstmacoustics@cwbda.bm)

 

The staff at Ice Queen, Photograph by Oliver Tucker.

 

Friendliest Customer Service

Ice Queen

If you’ve ever stopped at Ice Queen for a burger in the early hours of the morning, you understand why our judges awarded the fast-food restaurant’s staff the best in friendly customer service. It’s one thing to be friendly during daytime hours, it’s much more difficult to be friendly and hospitable at 3:00 a.m. serving customers who are feeling their spirits, but somehow, the staff at Ice Queen does it respectfully and with flying colours. 

Rural Hill Plaza, Paget, 236-3136

 

Wildcard: Best Spent $20

Rather than choose just one way to spend $20 successfully and efficiently in Bermuda, our judges produced several award-worthy options.

– Donation to SPCA

– Glass of wine on the porch at Port O Call, people watching complimentary

– Movie ticket at Speciality Cinema 

– Ferry ride to Dockyard for a pastry at The Dockyard Pastry Shop

– Shoe repair at Heel Sew Quick